Revised legislative proposal in Bulgaria intends to prohibit promotion of gambling activities
April 24, 2024: Proposing a Ban on Most Gambling Advertisements in Bulgaria
A fresh bill, suggesting a near-total prohibition of gambling advertisements, was put forward in Bulgaria on April 24, 2024. This move was initiated by the GERB-UDF party and Dwischenie sa Prawa i Swobodi (DPS), or the Movement for Rights and Freedoms.
UPDATE 02.05.24
Bulgarian Parliament Approves Ban on Most Gambling Advertisements
On April 30, 2024, the Bulgarian Parliament voted in favor of a bill, aiming to ban gambling advertisements on various platforms such as television, internet, radio, and print media. The enforcement of this law will commence three days after its official release, though the exact date remains unknown.
In Bulgaria, gambling advertisements are only permitted on billboards, situated at least 100 meters away from schools, and at gaming halls and casino buildings. However, this ban does not extend to televised Bulgarian sports lotteries targeted at various sports.
Proposal for Nearly Total Ban on Gambling Advertisements in Bulgaria
As per an article on fakti.bg (English link available), the proposed bill could cause a substantial shift in Bulgarian gambling laws. If approved by the Bulgarian Parliament, it would effectively ban gambling advertisements on television, radio, print media, and Bulgarian websites. Only billboards, at least 100 meters away from schools and stationary casinos and casino complexes, would be authorized for gambling advertisements.
The bill's proponents, Yordan Tsonev (DPS) and Temenuzka Petkova (GERB-SDS), are additionally advocating for severe penalties for online casinos and online betting providers operating in Bulgaria without proper licensing. Illegal gambling providers may potentially face fines ranging from 50,000 BGN (25,564 EUR) to 200,000 BGN (102,180 EUR) in Bulgaria. Players participating in illegal gambling may be subject to fines ranging from 500 BGN (255.46 EUR) to 2,000 BGN (1,021.83 EUR).
Growing problem of gambling addiction in Bulgaria is one of the primary reasons behind the call for a ban on gambling advertisements. This concern spans not just traditional casino games but also the purchase of scratch cards:
Gambling Advertisements Stir Debates in Several European Nations
Gambling advertisements are generating discussions about a potential ban in numerous European countries. In February 2024, Dutch politician Derk Boswijk put forth a proposal for a complete ban on gambling advertisements throughout the Netherlands.
In France, gambling operators were recently urged to adopt a more restrained advertising approach. The French regulatory authority has been combating this year, Facebook advertising by illegal black market providers in France. In Germany, the coalition against sports betting advertisements has called for a gradual ban on online gambling providers in an open letter.
The UK is also engaged in discussions regarding gambling advertising and sponsorship. English Premier League clubs intend to stop displaying gambling provider ads on their jerseys from 2026 onwards. In London, a ban on gambling adverts in public transportation has also been suggested.
Gambling has witnessed a significant surge in Bulgaria in recent years. The Bulgarian Ministry of Finance estimated the state's gambling revenue from 2023 to be around around 200 million BGN (102 million EUR). Whether the new bill will be parliamentarily approved or withdrawn due to financial considerations remains to be observed.
Despite the growing ban on gambling advertisements in various European countries, such as the Netherlands and France, the proposal for a nearly total ban on gambling advertisements in Bulgaria is particularly noteworthy. If approved, this would include a ban on online casinos Germany advertisements on Bulgarian websites, along with other platforms. The bill's proponents also aim to impose severe penalties for online casinos and online betting providers operating illegally in Bulgaria.
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